The Dwell 24: Not Work Related

Chicago native Sarah Hussaini is gaining a following for her geometric and colorful household ceramics.

Sep 16, 2020 - 02:51

Chicago native Sarah Hussaini is gaining a following for her geometric and colorful household ceramics.

In 2016, Sarah Hussaini started throwing pots to combat a major case of burnout. The designer, who has a master’s in architecture from Columbia University, had landed a job at a noted architecture office but became worn down by the long hours and dearth of support. So she began making whimsical stoneware mugs and planters to do "something just for myself," Hussaini says.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Hussaini / Not Work Related

That pastime snowballed into a full-fledged business (fittingly dubbed Not Work Related) with an adoring fan base and a routinely sold-out e-store. Her wares, while colorful and carefree, exhibit the rigor of her design training in their geometries and materials.